Suomi-NPP VIIRS: Global Ocean Water Clarity (Diffuse Attenuation) - Near Real Time

Global satellite-derived measurements of the diffuse attenuation coefficient for downwelling irradiance (Kd), a key indicator of ocean water clarity. The Ocean Biology DAAC at NASA produces these near real-time 'quicklook' products using Suomi-NPP VIIRS sensor data, with inputs and calibration that are less than optimal. These products provide a snapshot of data from a short time period within a single satellite orbit.

Use Cases

• Monitoring near real-time changes in ocean water clarity based on the diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd).
• Analyzing short-term, orbit-based snapshots of light penetration for phytoplankton studies.
• Assessing global ocean optical properties for climate and environmental modeling.

Strengths

• Produced by NASA's Ocean Biology DAAC, an authoritative source for oceanographic satellite data.
• Provides near real-time (NRT) 'quicklook' data for timely analysis.
• Data is global in geographic scope.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• The inputs and calibration used are described as 'less than optimal' compared to standard science products.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Ocean Biology DAAC.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing data from the Suomi-NPP VIIRS sensor, processed into near real-time 'quicklook' products.

Time Range

Near real-time, single-orbit snapshots.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 20:19:36.885994; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global ocean coverage.